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How to get smooth legs for the summer

When I was fourteen years old, my roommates at ballet camp taught me how to shave. I sprinkled water on my legs from our dorm-room sink and used a cheap razor to shave for the first time. The results? Not great—bumpy, nicked, patchy. Since then, thankfully, I've figured out how to do it right. I've been loyal to Gillette razors for the past 20 years (!) so when Gillette asked me to share my shaving routine, I was happy to (and I'd love to hear yours)...

1. Soak skin for three minutes
Before shaving, wet your skin for at least three minutes to let the hair soften. The best time to shave is at the very END of a shower.

2. Use warm water
You want the water to be warm enough to feel comfortable (and not cause goosepimples), but not hot, since hot water can dry out your skin.

3. Exfoliate your skin (this is important)
Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub. Many people skip this step, but you need to help prevent dead skin cells from clogging up your razor in order to get the closest shave possible.

4. Apply shaving gel
Next, of course, apply a shaving gel all over your legs to help prevent nicks and scrapes. Gels create a moisturizing lather and, of course, help you keep track of where you still need to shave. (Plus, I just like the feel of gels better than foams.)

5. Choose a good razor
Shave from the ankles up, using a light touch. Don't forget the backs of your knees and big toes, ha! For as long as I can remember, I've used the Venus Embrace Sensitive, which is designed for sensitive skin, with a built-in moisture strip and five blades to give you a super close shave. (Interestingly, studies show that many women who think they have sensitive skin are actually just using a dull razor.)

6. Finish with a body lotion or oil
After shaving, be sure to moisturize to keep legs smooth and give them a healthy sheen. Avoid lotions with alcohol or alpha-hydroxy acids, which can be irritating to freshly shaved skin. (Personally, I like simple body oil.)Do you do these already? Any other tips you'd add?

I'm a major bath taker, so I always shave at the end of a nice, long soak. Other than that, I do pretty much exactly what you listed. I only exfoliate every other shave because I have found that exfoliating my legs too often makes them MAJORLY sensitive.

It's funny how hair removal differs in various cultures. In India, we mostly rely on waxing & will either go to parlours or even have a beautician visit us at home to wax in the very comfort of one's own bedroom. Shaving, for us, is mostly for emergencies.

I actually use olive oil for shaving--read about it somewhere ages ago (Real Simple, perhaps). A close shave and it moisturizers as well, and no added chemicals going into the environment. I keep a small bottle in the bath, use a tiny amount each time.

I always use Venus. I have sensitive skin. I tried Nair once. BIG mistake my legs broke out into a red rash and to top it all off it was the day we were supposed to go to Kennywood. I sometimes use baby oil, but I heard it dulls the blade faster?

The only thing I change the shave gel use. Perhaps Gillette has done this too but Aveeno has RUST-FREE packaging. Nothing worse than rust stains from the shave gel ruining your shower stall/shelf etc.I use Gillette razors though :)

I second Tarika, except that I'm here in the US. I have been waxing my own legs for years, and I rave about it to anyone who asks! Your results last longer and I truly believe my leg hair has become more sparse over time. Once you get the hang of it, waxing at home really isn't too painful and is relatively quick.

I use a Lady Gillette, too but old school: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR4.TRC1.A0.XLady+Gillette&_nkw=Lady+Gillette&_sacat=0&_from=R40 as well as shaving soap with a nice brush. And after some witch hazel to prevent any razor burn. It's cheap and more enviro-friendly because you only toss the razors (which are dirt cheap).

To the bikini line I use this method (well, I actually use it for all hairy areas): While I'm showering I exfoliate the skin with a sponge, then pat dry with a towel (just a bit), cake the skin with the cheapest body cream that I can find at the supermarket (the ugly, oily kind) and use a (obviously) very very sharp razor. After use, scrub and dry the razor and kep it in mineral oil.

Also, I learned to shave by accident. I would always stand beside my dad each morning when I was younger and pretend to shave my face or stand beside my mom and pretend to shave my legs, so my mom went out and bought me a toy razor. It was plastic and couldnt cut you but looked exactly like a blue disposable men's razor.

I was in the bath one day pretending to shave with what I thought was my toy razor and I realized it was a real one! this was in third grade...I just kept shaving since even though there was hardly anything to get rid of.

I used to shave - legs, bikini and armpits - with men razors until a friend talked me into going to a beauty parlor to get waxed and it was like 'why haven't i done that before?!, seriously. Now i only wax: i do the legs at home and go to see a beautician for the bikini and it's totally worth it. Before my friend convinced me i was really not comfortable with the idea of a total stranger taking a look at this particular area but now i'm completely ok with it. The first time might be awkward but it gets surprisingly casual after that. Now i only shave when i don't have any other solutions :)

Wow! Seems like so much work. I shave while I'm taking a shower. I don't use any products at all. I shave at the end of my shower when I have been soaking for a few minutes. I moisturize with lotion after I have dried off. Quick and Simple. I have never had an issue with razor burn.

Joanna! I spy that bottle of Lustro body oil! That stuff is wonderful. I know you (like many of us) try to use safer cosmetics/personal care products, and I think you should do more posts about that. I could use some inspiration while I switch out my cabinet for healthier alternatives. :)

A great tip not just for soft legs, but super soft skin overall is to use a Dry brush before you shower! I started doing so this winter and not only did it make my skin glow and feel extra soft, it also was much less dry!

I'm very careful about shaving and waxing hygiene, and follow a very similar routine to yours, Jo! I know you recommended not to use a lotion with alpha hydroxy acid, but I have to be diligent about using one for a few days after shaving to prevent ingrowns and staph infections. My skin is very, very sensitive and I can't seem to prevent those otherwise.

I found this shea butter shave creme at Target a few years ago and it's my favorite thing to shave with. My legs can be pretty sensitive, and this stuff makes the hair really soft (even though it doesn't lather up like regular shaving gel/cream). My boyfriend even sang its praises after using it to shave his stubble. http://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-Certified-ORGANIC-ingredients/dp/B009WRZPMU/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1399581894&sr=1-5&keywords=shea+moisture+shave+women

I second the men's versions are cheaper for the same amount of blades, @Sarah, and I SWEAR by the Mach 3. I tried women's razors and just didn't get that close of a shave. Now, Hubs and I can share a pack of Mach 3 replacement blades less than $50 at Costco for an entire year.

I switched from shaving gel/foam a couple years back to jojoba oil and/or almond oil. It is cheaper than the specialty shaving lotions, and is also better for your skin than the synthetic ingredients most shaving products have in them. Not to mention you purchase WAY less of it because it is so concentrated. I also get zero shaving bumps on my bikini line when I use oil.

I always shave after soaking in a bath of Epsom salts. I bought a big bag at Wal Mart for $5. My legs are so smooth and soft after. Bonus, Epsom salts help remove toxins from your body as well as many other health benefits! And for those who said they use mens razors, me too :)

I used to not use shave gel, then I wondered for years why my legs would be so horribly sensitive and bumpy. I finally caved and bought some last year, and I haven't looked back. I used to think it was unnecessary (and yet I have sooo many beauty products lol), but I love the stuff now. Agree re: shaving at the end of the shower.

Braun silk epilator .. I think it was about $80 .. SO worth it. Have had the same one for years. I exfoliate in the shower and epilate afterward.. then either Curel intensive moisturizing lotion or an essential oil cocktail to finish.

I usually use Gilette Venus razors and Gilette Satin Care Dry Skin shaving gel. I prefer to shave in the middle of the day or at night. I would always nick myself when I shaved in the morning. Then I learnt that our skin tends to be a bit puffy first thing in the morning leaving us susceptible to nicks and cuts.

My routine is just like yours, with one exception. My husband was living in Europe when he and I were dating, and he bought me this olive oil body wash in Turkey. It's all I've shaved with ever since! It's thin and smooth, but leaves my skin feeling so soft. Thankfully he bought me two bottles, but I don't know what I'll do when I run out!

Moisturizers like Suave are great and ladt longer than any shaving cream or gel. A large bottle is cheap and only a small amount is needed. Best tip.I've learned. I wax at home witb Sally Hansen strips and shave in between to clean up--legs and bikini. Inky shave underarm area because it is sensitive. Never Brazilian because it is not healthy

This is so weird. Everybody here waxes or lasers their body hair away. Do you shave every day?? Doesn't it itch? I can't stand a man who doesn't shave, so I believe I would hate my legs all the time :))

I exfoliate with coconut oil and sugar first, then when I rinse the sugar off there's still enough coconut oil on my legs to give me a smooth shave. The only downside is that it dulls the razor faster than if I used soap or shaving cream, but it gives me a smoother shave for sure.

A couple have already mentioned using olive oil or olive oil body wash, which really does work great for shaving. It's super moisturizing and, of course, more natural than a lot of other products out there. What I've used for a long time now and would recommend to anyone (even/especially to those with sensitive skin) is a simple olive oil bar soap. I buy the Soap Works bar at my local food co-op, and not only does one bar cost about $2.50, but it lasts FOREVER. As long as the soap is kept out of the shower/away from water when it's not being used, it can last for months. Plus, it's great for traveling because it's light and small (you can even cut a bar in half) and not have to worry about transporting liquids.

*Side note: I'm of Italian descent and dark/hairy, with sensitive underarms, and the olive oil bar soap works wonders for it all :)

USE BABY OIL or COCONUT OIL!!! instead of shave cream/gel! It does wonders for moisturizing your skin during & even after. Another benefit: I've noticed that using baby oil extends the life & sharpness of my razor blades. Plus oils are so inexpensive & have fewer chemicals. Just try it-you'll never go back!

Everyone, You have to check out Harry's- a new company from the guys at Warby Parker, and all they do is razors. Its so awesome, and they dont rip you off for replacement blades- its like $15 for 10 cartridges or something. Woohooo!!!

I have to shave my legs everyday (otherwise I feel dirty) so I have my routine down. I dry brush my entire body before shower, then at the end of my shower I lather up my legs with Dr. Bronners and shave away with my Gillette Venus. Easy, smoooooooooth, and quick. Dry brushing is also fantastic for circulation.

I just use bar soap (handmade) or coconut oil to shave. The ingredients in Gillette and other shaving creams concern me.Also, I use a safety razor, which is awesome-a pack of 100 blades is $15, as opposed to that price for about 3 Venus. And much less wasteful, as the blades can be recycled.

Actually, I use cold water. I sort of do the soak in normal hot water while I shower, but at the end I make it really cold. I get goosebumps, which makes the hair stand out, and I think it gives me a closer shave! Definitely have to be more careful with new razors, though.

I haven't shaved in about 13 years! I use an epilator!! I really don't understand why women in american still shave. In Portugal I don't know a single woman that uses a razor to get rid of body hair. Gillette monopoly... with the money you spend on those expensive razors you could buy 1 epilator that last for years plus, your hair grows out thinner and it's at least 2 weeks before I have to worry about body hair.

I really prefer to shave after a bath, I find I get way better results. My routine is very similar to this except after exfoliating I apply oil to my legs and then shaving cream. For some reason it gets even closer and my legs are so smooth! I love waxing for the long-lasting results, but you never quite get the extreme smoothness of freshly shaved legs.

I used to use Venus razors, but I was never comfortable with the level of waste, or the cost! Two years ago I switched to an old-fashioned safety razor with double-edged razor blades! Where I live, the blades are recyclable (in a tin), so it's very low waste.

After researching the ingredients in standard shaving creams and gels, I ditched those. (Skintimate, for example, rates from four to seven on the EWG Skin Deep database!) I switched to all-natural shaving soap and a shaving brush, then to coconut oil or olive oil.

Shaving is easier than ever, and I get a better shave. Plus, my skin is so very soft. And in two years, I've only nicked myself twice. Both times I was really rushing (and knew I shouldn't be), and it was while shaving a knee. Barely hurt, barely bled, healed fast.

Whoa; glad I read through the comments, because I didn't know Gillette still was on the fence with animal testing. Did a bit of research.

Their parent company is Procter & Gamble, who haven't committed to a worldwide ban on animal testing. They do use animal testing for sure for China's market (because of the regs there). I couldn't find any clear info on whether or not they (Gillette specifically or P&G as a whole) still test on animals otherwise.